Benefits of Meditation in New Parenthood & Madrehood Meditations
Let’s be honest… Parenting can feel like a A LOT at times!!! The constant pressures, changes, expectations and to-do lists can have many new parents feeling anxious, stressed and overwhelmed. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, then I am a little bit jealous of your calm (lol). But if you’re like most parents I talk to, then you know what I’m talking about. As I learn to ground in my own madrehood experience, I am finding that I need to review my tool kit to see what can help me stay grounded. In my journey, I have explored a few practices but wanted to highlight one that has been a game changer: guided meditations.
Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your mind & body to achieve a calm and aware state. Guided meditations use voice and instructions to help us focus on the present moment and the meditation’s objectives. Some examples may include relaxing by focusing on the breathe, releasing muscle tension, visualizations to promote well-being, mantras and more. There are many benefits of meditation including:
stress reduction
buffer against depression and anxiety
pain management
better sleep
reduced anxiety
improved mental clarity
better focus
& more!
Though I’ve always “known” the benefits of meditation, it was always difficult to get started. Sitting still, making time for me and not being productive were unfamiliar for me. I kept pushing it off….until I couldn’t anymore. The new mama anxiety (iykyk) started to get pretty bad. I knew something needed to change if I wanted to be the present parent I intended to be. I started using the mindful mamas app and started with once every few days. Then slowly my body started to crave some stillness. Though it’s not a perfect practice, I aim to do it at least 1/x a day, and 2x/ when I’m feeling a little extra restless. It took me a while to get started, but I am so grateful for this practice that I even decided to start a Madrehood Meditations on youtube/apple podcast to share with anyone else who is curious!. I want EVERY mama out there to have access to the therapeutic benefits of meditation. I uploaded the “welcome” episode on 10/30/24 here (youtube) and here (apple) and invite anyone who is curious to join me on IG live on Monday mornings starting 11/4-12/9/24 from 10:45-11am pacific time for a guided meditation. I will also be posting weekly (minus holiday weeks) on my youtube & apple podcast as well. I hope you subscribe and follow along! You deserve that rest and stillness to truly ground in this season.
-Much Love, JLee “MillennialTheraMom”
